
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
27
quently a small part of his work. It was frequently only prac-
tical instruction in righteousness.
2.
There is a profound reason
why, when God's law ceased
to be recognized, or was lost sight of, prophecy ceased, even though
good men lived. If the Lord bad allowed prophecy to flourish,
there could have been no standard of testing. The spirit of
prophecy is restored to the church synchronous with the restora-
tion of His law. False prophets. also abound, but we have the
standard infallible by which to test them, God's law, God's voice.
3.
Till "that which is perfect"
is come, the church of God
will need prophetic guidance. 2 Peter 1:19; 1 Cor. 13 :8-10.
Even when she becomes Spirit-filled, and without spot or wrinkle,
she will not say, We do not need the prophetic word, for then
she will prize it most; it will be a part of her very being.
4.
"Desire earnestly
the greater gifts," "spiritual gifts,
but rather that ye may prophesy." American Revised Version.
The
greatness
is measured by the service rendered. Matt. 20:
26, 27. By prophesying here we understand is meant speaking
God's word unto edification. 1 Cor. 14:3.
5.
The better way,
and the only safe way, to seek any of
God's gifts is the way of love, set forth in 1 Corinthians 13.
Then, indeed, will the Spirit of God divide to us the gifts we
can best use. God bestows His gifts with wisdom and prudence.
Eph. 1:8.
6.
"Confirmed."—It
is good to have good news and good
things confirmed
unto
us. See Heb. 2:3. We have the assurance
they are true; but they benefit us not if the work goes no farther.
The spirit of prophecy has been confirmed unto many. But what
God desires, and what we must have, is the testimony of Christ
"confirmed
in
us."
7.
The gift of prophecy, if received, becomes the door, the
entrance, to all gifts. If we will not accept the, gift which warns,
reproves, instructs, God can not entrust us with other gifts.
Until we prize pure, - true character more than display of super-
natival power, God can not bestow the power. Power displayed
without the fruits of the Spirit must come from some other
source. As we accept the testimony of Jesus, other gifts will
follow, and the church will stand complete, coming "behind in no
gift."
The needs of the cause of God are world-wide.